Thursday, April 28, 2005

The reserves finish their league season tonight with a derby match-up against United which unfortunately will not be the title decider which it appeared it might do a couple of weeks ago.However, it has been a superb season for the reserves under the guidance of Asa Hartford as the young side has exceed all expectations. This has been even more impressive given the fact that the likes of Onuha, Jordan, Flood, Croft and Bradley Wright-Phillips have featured in the senior squad towards the end of the season.With very little transfer budget appearing to be available for whoever is named manager in the summer it has been impressive the way the likes of the young players (plus more established youngsters Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips) have forced their way into the first team. This has also allowed more of the younger players to get their chance in the reserves and gain some vital experience as they hope to become the next group to get their chance with the senior squad.People who are regular reserve team watchers believe that the likes of Karl Bermingham, Ishmael Miller, Daniel Sturridge, Kaspar Schmeichel and the D'Laryea twins have real potential and along with the ones who have already made their mark could provide City with their finest crop of 'boy blues' since the when White, Hinchcliffe, Lake, Redmond and Brightwell came through. It is hoped that the next manager will continue to nurture and develop the talent that will be at their disposal.